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Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Solly Malatsi.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) based AI-powered SpaceTech company, Space 42, has launched its next-generation satellite services, Thuraya-4, in South Africa.
The move promises to revolutionise connectivity for the most remote corners of the Republic, yet questions remain as the company moves forward without final approval from the industry regulator, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The launch could result in the introduction of new telecoms products, including a satellite smartphone, maritime solutions and tactical networks.
The service is designed to provide secure, satellite connectivity where terrestrial networks are often unreliable.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Solly Malatsi, delivered a keynote address at the launch.
“South Africa’s Digital Economy Masterplan and Digital Transformation Roadmap are built on this logic. They recognise that infrastructure, platforms and governance must work together to create outcomes that benefit people and that positively impacts their daily lives. The work that will be showcased today by Space42, including its geospatial intelligence platform and the Foresight Constellation, reflects the kind of capability that can strengthen national planning and regional cooperation.”
